Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
Pinpoint
Kilmartin, Lochgilphead PA31 8RQ
Website www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/carnasserie-castle
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A free 16th-century tower house ruin standing above Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland's densest concentrations of prehistoric monuments, reached by a short but steep climb from the car park. Reviewers consistently say it rewards the effort — the upper storeys are still accessible, and the view over the glen from the top is the payoff.
Worth the trip
The view from the top storeys over Kilmartin Glen — reviewers rate it among the best short-walk viewpoints in Argyll.
Before you go
The walk up is only 10-15 minutes but the last stretch is steep, so wear proper shoes rather than sandals; there's decent parking at the bottom and, being free and unstaffed, no opening hours to work around.
Reviewers consistently enjoy Carnasserie Castle as a well-preserved ruin reached by a short but somewhat steep walk from the car park, rewarding visitors with the ability to climb to the top floors for expansive views. Several mention having the site largely to themselves, and it's described as an easy, worthwhile stop with no real drawbacks.
Free; overlooks Kilmartin Glen
“Well preserved ruin, you actually can go in and go up to top storeys with an awesome view. About a 10 to 15min walk from parkinglot, the end is a steeper hill. Enough parking too.”— Patrick & Heidi Knotz, visitor review
